Abstract Aim: To report a trial protocol to determine if a self-care program enhances quality of life and sense of coherence in community-dwellers aged 65 years or over. Design: A randomized controlled trial with a two-group pretest and posttest will be conducted in a community activity center involving a sample of 64 community-dwellers who are 65 years or over. Methods: The intervention group will receive Resource Enhancement and Activation Program, a structured 12-week self-care program comprising 24 activities based on a salutogenic framework. The control group will receive the routine service. Both outcome and process evaluations will be used. Outcomes will be measured using standardized tools and these include quality of life, sense of coherence, satisfaction with life, activation measure, well-being, depression, loneliness and resilience. Focus group interviews will be conducted to explore participants' views on the program. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of a self-care program that is based on a salutogenic framework to promote quality of life and sense of coherence among older community-dwellers
